Leyte is bird flu-free

MANILA, Philippines — The province of Leyte has been declared free from bird flu, according to the Department of Agriculture.

DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. issued Memorandum Circular 44, declaring Leyte free from avian influenza.

Tiu Laurel said the first case of pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) subtype H5N1 was detected in the town of Kananga on March 19, affecting broiler breeder chickens.

“The provincial and municipal governments, in coordination with the DA regional office and the Bureau of Animal Industry, immediately conducted investigation, depopulation, cleanup and disinfection of infected areas,” Tiu Laurel said.

He said more than 90 days have lapsed since the cleanup and disinfection.

Continued surveillance and monitoring of affected areas showed negative presence of bird flu, the DA said.